Pasquotank County will need to borrow a little less money this year, thanks to lower-than-expected vehicle costs.

Pasquotank Finance Officer Sheri Small explained Monday that the county borrowed $490,000 for replacing vehicles in the 2017-18 fiscal year that ended June 30. Buying all the vehicles only cost about $461,500, however, leaving $28,500 left over.

Small said the savings primarily came from the cost of new vehicles for the sheriff's department coming in less than expected. The loan also covered the library's new bookmobile, an ambulance remount, an animal control truck and an inspections department vehicle.

To get the most out of the loan, Small proposed financing the already-approved purchase of a "quick response vehicle" for Pasquotank-Camden Emergency Medical Services. That lowers how much new borrowing the county has to do, she said.

In another budgetary item, Pasquotank commissioners also agreed to loan another $5,000 to the Nixonton Volunteer Fire Department for a new storage and serving space. The county agreed to loan the VFD $20,000 about two years ago for the facility, an additional building allowing an indoor space for storage and meal fundraisers.

However, Small said the project has cost more than expected, prompting the VFD to ask for another $5,000 for the facility. The VFD has been repaying the county about $5,000 a year, according to a county agenda report.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the additional loan on Monday, praising the department as well-run. Commissioner Frankie Meads also noted the Nixonton VFD receives the smallest annual appropriation of all the county's volunteer fire departments.

In an interview prior to commissioners' meeting, VFD coordinator Robert Boyce said the new building would allow a better, indoor space for meal fundraisers, making it a good investment for the VFD.